Bill > H0263

This bill expands the types of assistance unlicensed personnel can provide to residents in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) regarding medication self-administration, clarifying what constitutes "assistance" versus direct "administration" of medication. Specifically, it allows staff to bring pre-dispensed medication to residents, including pre-filled insulin syringes and manufacturer-filled insulin pens, and to assist with using nebulizers, performing blood glucose checks with a glucometer, applying and removing anti-embolism stockings, using oxygen cannulas (but not adjusting settings), using CPAP devices (but not adjusting settings), measuring vital signs, using colostomy bags, and dialing dosages on insulin pens. The bill also clarifies that staff can measure liquid medication, break scored tablets, or crush tablets as prescribed, but they cannot mix, compound, convert, or calculate medication doses, nor administer injections, medications via nebulizers or tubes, or parenteral preparations. It also specifies that "as needed" medications can be given if the order includes clear parameters that don't require independent judgment from the unlicensed person, and only at the request of a competent resident. Finally, the bill states that this assistance with self-administration by unlicensed personnel will not be considered direct administration of medication as defined by state law.